Efrain Evertz may be the leader of a church youth group, but what he and the group members did on Thanksgiving put warmth in the hearts of 200 local adults, and food in their bellies.

“It gives us a sense of unity and hope with one another in these very hard times,” said Evertz about Woodcliff Church’s fourth annual free Thanksgiving luncheon. “It’s a time to advocate for those in need and see volunteers step up and show love and care for those that need it the most. We want to be able to say as a community, we can depend on Woodcliff Church.”

Woodcliff Community Reformed Church is located at 7605 Palisade Ave.

_____________ “The Thanksgiving lunch is important to the community because it gives us a sense of unity and hope with one another in these very hard times.” – Efrain Evertz____________

Continuing with last year’s tradition, local food merchants donated food for the luncheon, including Applebee’s and Dunkin Donuts. Besides the youth group, nearly 50 volunteers from the community and church, as well as the North Bergen High School’s (NBHS) Key Club, helped make the luncheon possible.

“Thanksgiving has always been a family time for many of us,” says the flier for the Thanksgiving Luncheon. “But some of us do not have families near, or are struggling financially and unable to celebrate Thanksgiving Day.”

The key club and youth group served the food. The kitchen and the cooking volunteers were headed by chef Efrain Santos and Ramon Estruch.